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About DU |
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Background Dhofar University is a private institution of higher education in Salalah, Sultanate of Oman, established by Ministerial Decree No.5/2004 issued in January 2004. The University formally commenced its operations in September 2004. Dhofar University has a Board of Trustees that represents its highest policy making body, and was established with technical support from the American University of Beirut that will continue to oversee its academic programs until the year 2010 to ensure quality standards commensurate with the ambitions of Dhofar University and its founders. Dhofar University is dedicated to excellence in higher education benchmarked against international standards, coupled with relevance to local needs, present and emerging. The University’s planned construction of a new spacious campus with modern facilities, in addition to the appointment of highly qualified faculty members attest to the depth of the University’s commitment to providing students with a unique learning environment. Recognition of Degrees and Quality Assurance All the degrees that Dhofar University awards are registered with the Ministry of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman. The University is a member of the Oman Quality Network, which is an independent, not-for-profit network of Omani Higher Education Providers focused on quality enhancement in higher education. The University has formed a Quality Assurance Board to oversee the preparation of a self-study report, in accordance with the requirements of the Oman Accreditation Board. Dhofar University aspires to occupy a recognized position among the institutions of quality higher education, a status that will be a source of pride for Dhofar University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Dhofar University strives to achieve excellence in teaching and research, in an open learning environment conducive to creativity and innovation in higher education and to the acquisition of cutting-edge professional knowledge, to be exercised in a spirit of responsibility and community service.
A modern campus is in the process of being built in a scenic part of Salalah with ample educational, recreational and social space. The quality level of the facilities will meet international design standards, while taking into consideration local needs and cultural context. Dhofar University is located in Al-Saadah which is a suburb of Salalah, the capital city of the Dhofar region. The campus is currently located on temporary premises. The University shall start building its new campus in the Al-Saadah area on a 450,000 square meter plot of land. The first phase of development will include an administration block, three colleges, a common classroom building, a student activity center, and a mosque. The second phase will include student dormitories, auditorium, recreational and sport facilities. Salalah is well-known for its beautiful and mild weather in the summer (known as Khareef season), which begins late June and ends late August. During this season, the city receives uninterrupted drizzle and the mountains acquire a green appearance, and rivers and waterfalls flow. The temperature remains in the mid-twenties (Celsius). During the remainder of the year, the weather is mainly sunny and the temperature remains steady in the upper twenties, but occasionally rises to mid-thirties. One does not need to wear more than light clothes throughout the year, but those who like to venture into the nearby mountains may need to occasionally wear a sweater in the evening. The long and clean sandy shores of Salalah and the Dhofar region in general, are among the most beautiful in the world and are ideal for fishing and swimming. The nearby mountains are ideal for hiking.
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